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OPINION

Socialism is not the American way

Quote from Zing!: “Tallahassee Democrat, will you please quit giving the rich (i.e. DeVoe Moore) so much space on your editorial pages? All he does is present his opinions on why we should support the rich.”

Winston Churchill said, “The inherent voice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”

Readers, I support the younger generations in the work force — wanting the young entrepreneurs to receive the opportunities I received when I came to FSU in the 1960s, first, earning a job as inventory control clerk and later taking the opportunity to improve my desire to do better by learning the trade as a blacksmith shoeing horses.

This trade allowed me to pay for my education at FSU and start a bank account. Although FSU did not teach me to be a capitalist in the 1960s, it was the predominant way government let businesses grow in America.

As a capitalist, coupled with hard work and long hours, I enjoyed the opportunity to earn what I worked for. Vocational Rehabilitation offered to pay for my education; refusing and reflecting on the past, I am thankful I worked for what I have earned.

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, government was not greedy for one’s profit.

Just a few years ago, who would have thought it was conceivable a known Socialist would be running for president of the United States. Mr. Sanders, are you a Capitalist? “No, I’m a Democrat Socialist.”

His answer is shocking because he wants to fundamentally change the economic system that made America great. His key objective is finding ways to redistribute wealth without considering whether it’s earned or simply given. This is not the proper role of government nor consistent with the American Dream.

Capitalism dates back to the 17th century based on private ownership taking their money to produce goods and services for profit. This service is based on supply and demand in the free market.

Capitalism is an economic system in which the production and distribution are private or corporately owned and the operations are funded by profit from the services, not from government.

This system was based on private property rights, including the private ownership of resources or capital with economic decisions made largely through the operations of free markets that were largely unregulated by government.

Capitalism produces an economic and business system that rewards successful, hard working individuals and companies the right to their profits from investments. Individuals and businesses raise capital in order to fund activities producing profits in a competitive environment, increasing their profits, letting government exist. Earnings with less taxes will let young entrepreneurs grow and build their business.

Socialism involves a system in which the production, distribution and exchange are owned by the community collectively, usually through government, which determines prices and production levels. For Americans, which system works best, Socialism or Capitalism?

DeVoe Moore is a Tallahassee businessman. Contact him at devoe@tacm.com.